Folk Songs of Sikkim

Folk Songs of Sikkim

People and Culture of Sikkim

The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali.
Communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend.
Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwara.
The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
These myriad Cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity.
These can also be seen in the various places of Worship, Festivals and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.
Folk songs and folk dances occupy a prominent place in the culture of Sikkim.
Men and womenfolk fully participate in dances to mark such important occasion like birth, weddings rituals or any other festivals
For those belonging to the peasant & labour class the melodious folk songs and dances arc indeed life giving ambrosia whose lifting tones & rhythmic pattern wipes away their fatigue hunger & worries.

Music cum Dance of Bhutias of Sikkim

Bhutias have a rich folk culture. Men and Women sing folk songs and perform folk dances.
‘Denjong Chha-Lu’ is one of the popular national songs of an older Sikkim, Beyul Demojong – a hidden land endowed not only with natural beauty but also with spiritual contentment.
Bhutias are devotedly Buddhist and the Denjong Chha-Lu highlights the significance of the secret land of plenty i.e. Sikkim.
Through this song-cum-dance marked with foot-tapping and graceful hand movements, the Bhutias also express their reverence of great teachers and sacred places by whose grace Sikkim has become a beatific land.
The dancers don traditional attire (see above) to perform. Musical accompaniment is provided by instruments like the dranyen (a six stringed instrument producing melodious notes), gyumang (many stringed instrument, usually 74-stringed), piwang (two stringed instrument), flute, cymbals and drums. Bhutias are intrinsically nature-lovers.
Their country songs, called zhunglu, mostly contain descriptions of the landscape and its animals.
The song, ‘Zigmo Zeepa Jhoen’ means to greet animals and witness their merrymaking.
With rhythmic foottapping matched by the music of the dranyen, gyumang, piwang, flute, cymbals and drums, the dancers first greet the sun, and then form a circle to greet the snow lion of the mighty mountain, the vulture, the king of the birds, the ten-horned stag of the flat land, the striped tiger of the jungle, the golden fish of the sacred lake, the singing birds of the pleasant grove and the sturdy horses of the tamed stables.
As they tap out their rhythms, the dancers greet young lads of this ‘arcane’ land to showcase their skills at arrow-shooting, and to ask the young lasses as well to exhibit their talent at singing.
Through the medium of song, the Bhutias convey their conviction in the belief of peace and merrymaking.

Music cum Dance of Bhujels of Sikkim

Bhujels are fond of folk songs and dance, which are mostly seasonal, though some are used at any time.
Some of their popular dances are the Ghatu, Chutka, Jahmre (Folk Duet) and Nachan (Padurya).
Chutka’s various enactments begin from Maghe Sankranti (mid-January) and continue through till Asar Purne (midJuly).
Usually performed at night, it involves a group of boys going to the houses of unmarried girls in the evening, sitting outside their houses and singing the ‘Chutka’ which is laced with love and promises.
After the boys sing three or four rhymes, the girls come out from inside the house, and the entire neighbourhood begins to dance to the beat of the drums (Takyu) played by the boys.
Interestingly, the girls do not sing. Before leaving the next morning, the boys pay for the feast organized by the dancing girls’ parents.

Music cum Dance of Chettris of Sikkim

Chettris have a tradition of folk songs, lores and music, and use of stringed Musical instruments.
One of the oldest and most popular group dances in which the Chettri community rejoices is the Maruni Naach.
The dance form traces its origin to Tihar, a period that marks the return of the Hindu god, Rama, from exile.
During the festival, which runs for 15 days, richly dressed Maruni dancers go on a house-to-house visit, performing in their courtyards.
Curiously, the dancers are usually accompanied by a clown, called dhatuwaray, whose job it is to protect the Maruni from rowdy Elements and to keep alive the general performance with his gestures and humour.
In the good old days, the role of Maruni, surprisingly a female character, was enacted by a male. With the change in customs and traditions, the dance has evolved and female dancers are now performing that central role.
The dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the madal – also adorned with marigold flowers. With flute and cymbals, the intricate patterns of their dance blend into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and celebration.
Before the dance performance, the dancers assemble at the house of the teacher and offer prayers to the madal.
The teacher plays the madal in a slow, grand tempo, and then starts the decoration of the maruni.
Maruni is not only confined to singing and dancing; it also is comprised of dance dramas, conforming to different aspects – emotions and feelings; gestures; songs and clothes – as laid down in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on the Performing Arts, encompassing theatre, dance and music

Music cum Dance of Damai of Sikkim

The Damai people are very good folk musicians.
Both men and women take part in dance and music.
Some men are professionals in that they are known for using nine types of musical instruments, called naumati baja.
This is a traditional profession inherited from their ancestors which is why they still serve as folk musicians for all the Nepali communities of Sikkim, especially during marriages.
Naumati baja is an ensemble of nine traditional musical instruments, which lends an auspicious aura to ritual functions and auspicious occasions such as weddings.
The naumati baja repertoire consists of context-specific traditional tunes such as seasonal rice-planting tunes (asare), music for the Hindu month of Phalgun (phagu), the seasonal tune of the October Dasain festival (malasri); songs performed for the bride’s departure at weddings (beuli magne); music accompanying ceremonial rites (astute); popular folk dances, modern folk songs, etc.
Typical features of current naumati music are small intervals, stepwise melodic movements and short repetitive phrases, among others.

Music cum Dance of Kamis of Sikkim

Kamis are joyous people who spend their pastime in music and dance.
They are also expert performers of the traditional folk dance, Maruni Nritya.
They have folk songs related to marriage, juari is held after the harvest, and they perform Maruni Naach and Madale Naach at the time of Tihar and Dasain, their biggest festivals.
The theme and origin of this dance form may be similar to the Maruni Naach performed by the Chettri community and Mangar Maruni staged by the Mangar community, but this performing art, performed by Kamis depicts Maruni as a male character garbed in female costumes and ornaments.
Even the dhatuwaray or phursungay, who acts as the court jester wearing funny masks and clumsy clothes in order to make people–especially children–laugh, is traditionally typical.
The dance begins with sakhi or sasi songs, sung to pay obeisance to all the gods and goddesses of the earth, sky, the underworld and all the four directions of the earth.
As the Maruni dances to the tune of the naumati baja, the jester keeps alive the dance with his gestures and humour.
Although this dance is associated with the festival of Tihar, because of its popularity, it is performed even on occasions like marriages.

Folk songs are an important part of the cultural heritage of Sikkim. They are passed down from generation to generation and reflect the history, beliefs, and values of the people of Sikkim.

Religious Songs

Religious songs are an important part of the Buddhist and Lepcha cultures of Sikkim. They are used to praise the gods and goddesses, to tell stories from the scriptures, and to express devotion.

Bhutia Songs

Bhutia songs are typically sung in a call-and-response style. The lyrics are often about love, nature, and everyday life.

Lho-Mangpa Songs

Lho-Mangpa songs are sung by the Lho-Mangpa people, who are a minority group in Sikkim. The songs are often about their history and culture.

Nyingmapa Songs

Nyingmapa songs are sung by the Nyingmapa people, who are the largest Buddhist sect in Sikkim. The songs are often about the teachings of the Buddha.

Lepcha Songs

Lepcha songs are typically sung in a pentatonic scale. The lyrics are often about nature, love, and everyday life.

Love Songs

Love songs are a popular genre of folk song in Sikkim. They are often about the joys and sorrows of love.

Work Songs

Work songs are used to accompany tasks such as harvesting, threshing, and building. They help to keep the workers in time and to make the work more enjoyable.

Children’s Songs

Children’s songs are an important part of the Sikkimese culture. They are used to teach children about their culture and to help them develop their language skills.

Dance Songs

Dance songs are used to accompany traditional Sikkimese dances. They are often about love, nature, and everyday life.

Ritual Songs

Ritual songs are used in religious ceremonies and rituals. They are often about the gods and goddesses, and they are used to ask for their blessings.

Historical Songs

Historical songs tell the stories of the past. They are often about battles, heroes, and important events in Sikkimese history.

Humorous Songs

Humorous songs are used to make people laugh. They are often about everyday life and the foibles of human nature.

Lament Songs

Lament songs are sung to express grief and sorrow. They are often about the death of a loved one.

Lullaby Songs

Lullaby songs are sung to help babies fall asleep. They are often about love, comfort, and safety.

Wedding Songs

Wedding songs are sung to celebrate the union of two people. They are often about love, happiness, and the future.

Funeral Songs

Funeral songs are sung to mourn the death of a loved one. They are often about the deceased’s life and their place in the community.

Greeting Songs

Greeting songs are sung to welcome people to Sikkim. They are often about the beauty of the state and the hospitality of its people.

Farewell Songs

Farewell songs are sung to bid farewell to someone who is leaving Sikkim. They are often about the sadness of parting and the hope of future reunion.

Travel Songs

Travel songs are sung to accompany people on their journeys. They are often about the beauty of the landscape and the challenges of travel.

Animal Songs

Animal songs are sung about the animals of Sikkim. They are often about the animals’ habits, their importance to the people of Sikkim, and the relationship between humans and animals.

Plant Songs

Plant songs are sung about the Plants of Sikkim. They are often about the plants’ beauty, their importance to the people of Sikkim, and the relationship between humans and plants.

Nature Songs

Nature songs are sung about the beauty of the natural world in Sikkim. They are often about the Mountains, rivers, forests, and other natural features of the state.

Seasonal Songs

Seasonal songs are sung about the different seasons in Sikkim. They are often about the changes in the weather, the activities that people do in different seasons, and the beauty of the seasons.

Occasional Songs

Occasional songs are sung for special occasions such as festivals, weddings, and funerals. They are often about the occasion itself, the people who are celebrating, and the hopes and dreams for the future.

Folk songs are an important part of the cultural heritage of Sikkim. They are passed down from generation to generation and reflect the history, beliefs, and values of the people of Sikkim.

Here are some frequently asked questions about folk songs:

What is a folk song?
A folk song is a traditional song that is passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk songs are often associated with a particular culture or region, and they can tell stories, express emotions, or simply provide entertainment.
What are some characteristics of folk songs?
Folk songs are typically simple in structure, with a repetitive melody and a limited range of harmonies. They often use simple language and imagery, and they may be accompanied by instruments such as the guitar, banjo, or fiddle.
What are some examples of folk songs?
Some well-known folk songs include “Amazing Grace,” “John Henry,” and “The Ballad of John Brown.”
What is the history of Folk Music?
Folk music has been around for centuries, and it can be found in cultures all over the world. Some of the earliest examples of folk music date back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
What is the role of folk music in Society?
Folk music can play a number of roles in society. It can be used to preserve cultural traditions, to express political or social messages, or simply to provide entertainment.
What are some of the benefits of listening to folk music?
Listening to folk music can provide a number of benefits. It can help you to learn about different cultures, to appreciate the beauty of simple music, and to connect with your own roots.
How can I learn more about folk music?
There are a number of ways to learn more about folk music. You can read books and articles about the subject, listen to recordings of folk music, or attend folk music festivals.
What are some of the challenges facing folk music today?
One of the biggest challenges facing folk music today is the decline of traditional oral culture. As people become more and more reliant on technology, they are less likely to pass down folk songs from generation to generation.
What can be done to support folk music?
There are a number of things that can be done to support folk music. You can attend folk music festivals, buy recordings of folk music, or learn to play folk songs yourself.
What is the future of folk music?
The future of folk music is uncertain. However, there are a number of reasons to be optimistic about the future of the genre. Folk music is a vibrant and living tradition, and it continues to evolve and adapt to new circumstances.

Here are some multiple choice questions about folk songs from around the world:

Which of the following is not a type of folk song?
(A) Ballad
(B) Lullaby
(C) Folktale
(D) Work song
Which of the following is not a characteristic of folk songs?
(A) They are passed down orally.
(B) They are often anonymous.
(C) They are typically simple in melody and harmony.
(D) They are usually about love or nature.
Which of the following is not a country where folk songs are popular?
(A) Japan
(B) China
(C) India
(D) The United States
Which of the following is not a traditional instrument used in folk music?
(A) The fiddle
(B) The guitar
(C) The piano
(D) The drum
Which of the following is not a traditional dance associated with folk music?
(A) The waltz
(B) The polka
(C) The tango
(D) The foxtrot
Which of the following is not a traditional costume associated with folk music?
(A) The kilt
(B) The dirndl
(C) The poncho
(D) The sari
Which of the following is not a traditional food associated with folk music?
(A) Pizza
(B) Paella
(C) Sushi
(D) Kimchi
Which of the following is not a traditional drink associated with folk music?
(A) Beer
(B) Wine
(C) Sake
(D) Tea
Which of the following is not a traditional holiday associated with folk music?
(A) Christmas
(B) Hanukkah
(C) Kwanzaa
(D) Halloween
Which of the following is not a traditional festival associated with folk music?
(A) The Oktoberfest
(B) The Carnival
(C) The Day of the Dead
(D) The Midsummer’s Eve

I hope you enjoyed these questions about folk songs from around the world!